Thump thump, her heart was beating like crazy. She wanted to run out of here and go to Killian right away. She wanted to see with her own eyes that he was safe.

‘But you know you can’t do that. Veronia, get a grip! Think about why you came to the South. Don’t forget your mission. Remember the ability the goddess gave you.’

She clenched her jaw tightly and wiped away the tears forming in her eyes. Just then, knock knock knock, there was an urgent knocking sound and the door flew open. It was the soldier in charge of guiding patients.

“It’s an emergency.”

“What happened?”

“A mass infection has been confirmed at the Mickelson Orphanage. It’s the largest orphanage in the South. 57 children showing symptoms have just arrived.”

“Oh no…”

The number ’57’ made her head spin for a moment. Veronia quickly composed herself and spoke clearly to the soldier.

“We need to hurry. Let’s receive two patients at a time. Could you prepare one more sofa for patients?”

“Yes, understood, my lady.”

As the soldier rushed out, Veronia, now alone, naturally turned her gaze back to the window. Two red smoke columns in the blue sky were still clearly visible.

“If I’m doing my job properly… Promise me you’ll come back safely like you do every day, Killian.”

Although Killian was far away, she hoped her sincere wish would reach him.

As patients kept pouring in, time flew by very quickly. When she came to her senses, it was already night.

“Lady Nia, you need to rest now. If something happens to you, it will be a disaster.”

“I’m still fine, so don’t worry too much. I’ll rest after finishing treatment for this child. By the way, is the party that went to Kotang Forest not back yet?”

“No. There was an engagement with monsters, but fortunately it was resolved without major incidents. They’re now in the follow-up process, disposing of the monster corpses.”

“I see.”

If monster corpses were left as is, they would cause further contamination, so it seemed they were quickly disposing of them before decay set in.

Since there was no other news, it appeared that not only Killian but also the soldiers who went with him had completed their mission without major injuries.

‘Thank goodness.’

Veronia, quietly sighing in relief, focused on treating the last child from the orphanage.

“Now, close your eyes and quietly count to 100 in your mind, and the treatment will be over.”

“…Yes.”

There was a mass infection at a large orphanage. Perhaps more infected people could appear from the orphanage tomorrow. So treating as many patients as possible today was the best way to prepare for tomorrow.

By the time the last patient was sent back, it was already past midnight. Veronia and the other priests and priestesses returned to Count Idenbenz’s mansion with tired bodies.

As they got off the carriage with their bodies feeling heavy as lead, groans naturally escaped everyone’s mouths. It was a physically exhausting schedule, having to care for hundreds of patients all day without proper rest time.

But their expressions were all bright with the satisfaction of having saved those who were sick.

“Thank you all for your hard work until this late hour. I truly appreciate it.”

The Countess and the mansion’s employees all came out to greet them.

“Bath water and food have been prepared in each room. If you need anything else, please let us know.”

“Thank you, Countess.”

As Veronia was bowing in gratitude for the generous hospitality, she caught sight of the soldiers who had gone to Kotang Forest.

“Have the party that went to Kotang Forest returned?”

“Yes, they just arrived. There are some who need treatment, so they’re receiving it first.”

Treatment? Hadn’t she heard there were no major injuries? Veronia’s heart suddenly skipped a beat and started pounding like a broken machine.

‘Could it be Killian?’

Frightening thoughts kept tormenting Veronia’s mind. She looked around desperately, searching for Killian with her eyes, but he was nowhere to be seen.

Instead, she saw a soldier covered in monster blood, a soldier walking with crutches due to a leg injury, a soldier with his head tightly wrapped in bandages, and a soldier clutching his broken arm and groaning in pain.

‘Killian… please…!’

Worried, she wanted to ask someone, but everyone seemed busy, and as she was inwardly stomping her feet, unable to find the right timing, the Countess, who found it strange that Veronia was lingering in the front yard, approached her and asked:

“Lady Nia, is there anything else you need?”

“Ah, well… Killian…”

She suddenly choked up and couldn’t continue her words properly. She felt like she might burst into tears at any moment. It would be quite unsightly for a grown adult to whine because her husband was not in sight.

That’s when someone grabbed her hand from behind! As she turned around, following the lead of the hand, there was Killian, smiling at her.

“Killian!”

Veronia threw herself into his arms. Killian was momentarily taken aback by the sudden hug, but soon embraced her waist tightly.

“Why are you so late? I was worried!”

Veronia’s eyes, looking up at him, were full of reproach. Killian answered with an awkward smile.

“I was covered in monster blood from head to toe. I rushed straight to the bathroom as soon as I returned, fearing you might faint from shock if I met you in that state.”

Ah, so that’s what happened. And I, not knowing that, foolishly…! Tears welled up in Veronia’s eyes, feeling upset.

“Still, don’t do that next time. I was startled when I couldn’t see you.”

“…I’m sorry.”

Killian’s chest tingled at hearing such affectionate scolding from Veronia for the first time. He had to clench his molars to suppress the laughter that kept trying to escape.

“From now on, please appear before me as quickly as possible, the very quickest. Promise.”

“…Yes, I will do so, I promise.”

Unable to hold back any longer, Killian hugged Veronia tightly with all his strength. The tears that had been wetting Veronia’s cheeks now soaked Killian’s collar.

“I’m truly sorry. I won’t do it again. Please forgive me.”

“…”

Veronia could only nod slightly, her mouth tightly closed as she tried to hold back the sobs that threatened to burst out.

Killian kissed her tear-stained cheek. As he was carefully licking away her tears, thinking they somehow tasted sweet, it happened.

“Ahem.”

The sound of Assistant Windler clearing his throat came from behind. But Killian paid no attention. He continued to focus only on Veronia’s tears.

Ahem! Once again the sound of throat clearing was heard, and at the same time, Windler spoke in a low voice, almost whispering.

“Um… instead of doing this here, why don’t you two retire to the bedroom? You’ve both worked hard all day, you should rest now.”

There are many eyes watching here, you know. Don’t you see the dozens of envious gazes? Windler had to bite his tongue several times to swallow the last words.

Veronia, finally realizing that she and Killian were embracing and bickering in the front yard where numerous people were passing by, blushed with embarrassment.

She lowered her head deeply and fled up the stairs into the building.

Killian, having lost Veronia from his arms, glared at Windler. Windler stared back at Killian without backing down.

‘That was unnecessary interference!’

‘I did so out of concern for any potential damage to the Lord Chancellor’s high reputation.’

‘Still, it was unnecessary interference!’

‘You should also consider the morale of the soldiers! If the two of you continue like that there…’

Sharp gazes were exchanged briefly, then Killian looked away.

“Fine.”

“Rest well, Your Excellency.”

Windler bowed politely towards Killian, who turned sharply and quickly climbed the stairs.

Veronia entered the bedroom after finishing her bath. Killian was lying on the bed with his eyes closed. He seemed to be already asleep.

‘Well, he must be tired from dealing with the monsters.’

She wanted to talk with him a bit more…

Although disappointed, Veronia thought it couldn’t be helped and headed towards the bed.

Veronia, who was about to get into her own bed, turned and headed towards Killian’s bed. It was because of her great disappointment. As she approached the bed, she called him quietly, almost whispering.

“Killian? Are you asleep?”

As expected, there was no response. She sat gently on the bed and gazed at his sleeping face illuminated by moonlight. It was the face she had longed for all day. She had been crazy with longing to see this face.

“Looks like I was the only one worrying and wanting to see you…”

She was grumbling to herself, feeling a bit upset, when it happened. His tightly closed eyelids slowly lifted.

“Is that true? Were you worried and wanting to see me?”

“You… weren’t asleep?”

She had muttered to herself thinking he was asleep, but he was awake! He had heard everything! Veronia’s cheeks burned hot.

“I must have dozed off for a moment.”

“…You must be tired. Go back to sleep.”

Veronia abruptly stood up, intending to return to her own bed. But Killian was faster. His hand had already grabbed her and was pulling her into the bed.